Fabrication of in situ TiC locally reinforced manganese steel matrix composite via combustion synthesis during casting

In situ TiC particulates locally reinforced manganese (Mn) steel matrix composite was successfully fabricated via combustion synthesis of (Fe,Ti)–C system during casting. XRD results reveal that the phases of the composites consist of TiC, α-Fe and austenite. Microstructure of the locally reinforced manganese (Mn) steel matrix composite consists of three separate regions, i.e. a TiC particulate-reinforced region, a transition region, a steel matrix region. TiC particles in the reinforced region, having fine size of 2 μm, are distributed uniformly. The hardness and wear resistance of the TiC particulates locally reinforced composites are much higher than those of quenched Mn13 steel. Furthermore, the microstructure formation mechanism of the composite was discussed.

► We fabricated in situ TiC particulates locally reinforced manganese steel matrix composite via combustion synthesis of (Fe,Ti)–C system during casting.
► The phases of the composites consist of TiC, α-Fe and austenite.
► Microstructure of the composite consists of a TiC particulate-reinforced region, a transition region and a steel matrix region.
► Fine TiC particles are distributed uniformly in the reinforced region.
► The wear resistance of the locally reinforced composites is much higher than those of quenched Mn13 steel.